been there twice the past month. One on a friday and a sheriff did roll by and gave us the good nod. Didnt bother to get out of his ride. Barely anyone there. Then last saturday and it was packed. I had to ride deep and in dirt roads (4x4) to get to any available spots. There were campers out there too. I suggest a weekday visit to get a decent spot.

been there twice the past month. One on a friday and a sheriff did roll by and gave us the good nod. Didnt bother to get out of his ride. Barely anyone there. Then last saturday and it was packed. I had to ride deep and in dirt roads (4x4) to get to any available spots. There were campers out there too. I suggest a weekday visit to get a decent spot.

If the Forest Service was smart, they would actually designate the location as a shooting range. I'm sure they could receive some Federal grant money for it. Other FS lands in this state have designated shooting ranges and even work with private citizens or groups to help maintain them. Wait...were talking about the ENF.

There was a fire over the weekend pretty close to the spots where people go to shoot. If anyone gets a chance to go back up there, please update us if it's open.

I went out with my brother and his friend. I tried to pick up all the brass I could find and toss out all the fired rounds we shot. It's open it appears, but I did not see any signs or people that have said it was closed

There are little turn off points where you can shoot. Once you go you can tell where you can shoot. Just be sure to be facing a hill when shooting and be aware of your surroundings (do not shoot towards roads or campsites and always have a safe backdrop i.e a hill). Bring paper, soda cans, shaving cream etc. Just be sure to clean as much as you can when you are out there. Have fun and be safe.

I've been itchin to go up to the forest and shoot, but since the I-80 corridor is affected by the American Fire, I may have to consider finding a new spot here in El Dorado NF. I've been turned off by the NFS law enforcement. Are we clear to shoot now?

__________________
Oppressors can tyrannize only when they achieve a standing army, an enslaved press, and a disarmed populace. -- James Madison

The Constitution shall never be construed to authorize Congress to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms. -- Samuel Adams, Debates and Proceedings in the Convention of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 86-87 (Pearce and Hale, eds., Boston, 1850)

Dont stress about the area. The federal forest service ranger that caused all the fuss is gone. The Deputies that patrol the area are all good people and are way too busy to mess with you over small stuff. Its a nice place to go.

The Forest Service is still allowed to enforce Federal Law. The ElDoCo Sheriff stripped the USFS of its authorization to enforce state laws in the county. Make sure you know the regulations for shooting, parking, camping, etc. or do not take a chance. They are enforcing this due to a few bad eggs ruining it for the rest. There are a lot of places to shoot in Eldorado National Forest along Mormon Emigrant Trail/NF5 and the side roads, like Bonetti road. Just please be aware of what you are shooting towards. There have been a few instances where folks are shooting at/above ridge lines or towards a berm leading to a trail. If you do not see what is behind your target then don't shoot. ONLY shoot into an area where there is a hillside in the background, please.

If you do not see what is behind your target then don't shoot. ONLY shoot into an area where there is a hillside in the background, please.

Excellent point. Standing timber is not a back stop. Dont hang your targets on trees or shoot trees because you didnt bring targets. There is a lot of private mixed in with public property, buy a map and know where you are. Just because there is a forest doesnt mean its national forest.

I feel most calgunners are good people so I hate to rant, I only hope anyone that googles this location learns a little.

Just went out there today. Got out around 10AM and it was already fairly crowded. Had to go out 3 miles to find an open spot and it was covered in used targets, garbage, and empty shells and casings. Definitely bring trash bags when you go and leave with more garbage than you brought so we don't all get banned. For those not familiar, punch these coordinates into google maps and follow the paved road until you find a good spot.